Synopsis:

Thousands of them have lived underground. They’ve lived there so long, there are only legends about people living anywhere else. Such a life requires rules. Strict rules. There are things that must not be discussed. Like going outside. Never mention you might like going outside.

This is the story of mankind clawing for survival, of mankind on the edge. The world outside has grown unkind, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside.

Review:

WOOL was originally a series of novellas that was eventually adapted into an omnibus. The story flows quite nicely when read straight through, I was unaware of the original format until the end.

WOOL is a great book for those wishing for more after the Hunger Games. A fabulous post-apocalyptic world where the air outside is poison and humanity survives only in one underground silo. It is the story of an unlikely sheriff selected from the mechanics that keep the silo running. The main character, Juliette, does not particularly want to leave her people at the very bottom of the silo, but she keeps stumbling upon indicators that something is amiss in her world.

I loved reading Juliette’s chapters. She was an incredibly well rounded character: intelligent with an unusual skill set for a female protagonist. The book does not add in a romance for no discernable reason [a pet peeve of mine], instead out of adversity develops a friendship.

WOOL kept me enthralled for the entire read. The ending was gratifying without pandering to the reader. I think it will have a spot on my bookshelf for quite some time.